Businesses and organisations across Blackburn with Darwen are invited to sponsor the 2026 Community Volunteer Awards.
Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Council are once again working together to celebrate and recognise the hard work, passion and dedication of the borough’s unsung heroes through these annual awards.
The awards celebration takes place every November, following a public nomination process – which usually attracts over one thousand entries.
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said:
“Without the support from sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to put on this remarkable event to celebrate our borough’s amazing volunteers and volunteer led organisations.
“Each year these awards showcase the wonderful community spirit that exists within Blackburn with Darwen. Everyone goes above and beyond to make the borough a better place and it’s important that we come together and celebrate what they do for our communities.
“I know times are hard, but if you can support this important event it would be very much appreciated.”
Last year’s Community Volunteer Awards were a huge success with over 1,000 nominations for individuals and groups. A wide range of committed volunteers were celebrated, ranging from those who empower others to succeed to groups who protect and safeguard vulnerable people.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
“We know how much local volunteers appreciate the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at our annual Community Volunteer Awards – the evening is always a highlight in the borough’s calendar. We really value the support of sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to stage this important event.”
The 2026 Community Volunteer Awards will be held on Thursday 5th November, hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver.
Sponsorship packages come with lots of added value including the opportunity to access space on the Council’s digital advertising assets.
As well as offering businesses and organisations the chance to be associated with this inspirational event, all funds raised through sponsorship go towards making sure the event is a night to remember for the volunteers nominated.
Among the winners at last year’s Community Volunteer Awards were the Blackburn Empire Support Team, Shelter volunteers, BwD First Responders, Community Harmony Project, and Blackburn Children’s Storehouse.
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Yaqoob Hussain MBE, and a special recognition award was given to Derek Estill of the Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum.
If you would like to support the Community Volunteer Awards 2026, contact Donna Talbot on 01254 583957 or donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk. Donna can also answer questions about supporting the awards in other ways.
